Creating an engaging and visually captivating atmosphere is essential for the success of any event, and this begins with effectively filling large empty spaces. Whether you’re organizing a corporate conference, a wedding, a trade show, or any other gathering, transforming a vast, open area into a dynamic and inviting environment is pivotal. This guide will explore many creative and practical ways to fill those expansive, blank canvases at events. From innovative decor concepts and immersive technology to the strategic placement of furnishings, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive toolkit to breathe life into vast spaces and leave a lasting impression on your attendees. This blog will explore the benefits and the best ways to fill an ample event space.
Event Type
Start by determining the type of event you’re hosting. Is it a conference, trade show, wedding, concert, art exhibit, or something else? The event type will dictate the setup and decor.
Decor and Theming
Decorate the space with your event’s theme or purpose. Consider using banners, signage, lighting, and props to create an immersive atmosphere.
Furniture and Seating
Rent or bring appropriate furniture and seating for your event. This could include tables, chairs, lounge areas, and more. Make sure there’s enough seating for your expected attendees.
Food and Beverage
Consider catering or setting up food and beverage stations. Depending on the event, you can offer a full meal, snacks, or drinks.
Entertainment
Book entertainment, such as live bands, DJs, magicians, or other performers, to engage your attendees and create a memorable experience.
Activities and Workshops
Plan activities or workshops to keep attendees engaged and informed. These can be an integral part of conferences, expos, and festivals.
Sponsorship
Seek out sponsors who can help cover the event’s costs and, in return, gain visibility and branding opportunities. They might also have creative ideas to fill the space.
Benefits Of Filling A Large Event Space
Filling a sizeable empty event space can benefit event organizers and attendees. Here are some of the advantages:
Flexibility
Large event spaces provide flexibility in terms of layout and design. Organizers can create a custom setup that suits the event’s specific needs, whether a wedding, conference, trade show, or concert.
Networking Opportunities
With more space, attendees have more significant opportunities to network and interact with one another, fostering connections and collaboration.
Enhanced Production Values
Larger spaces allow for more significant production elements, such as grand stage setups, impressive lighting and sound systems, and large screens or displays, enhancing the overall event experience.
Contact Art of the Event For Event Planning In New England
Filling large empty spaces is essential, especially for aesthetics. Working with professionals like Art of the Event ensures that filling the gaps looks clear and aligns with your vision. If you need help with your next event (especially in a large venue), contact our award-winning event specialists at Art of The Event by calling 781.670.9292 or inquire online!
Organizing a successful event hinges on selecting the perfect venue. Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate conference, or a simple birthday party, the choice of venue can make or break your event’s overall experience. To ensure the success of your event, it is crucial to consider various factors carefully.
Location and Accessibility
- Proximity to Attendees: The venue’s location should be convenient for your target audience. Consider where most of your attendees come from and choose a central or easily accessible location.
- Transportation and Parking: Evaluate the availability of public transportation options and parking facilities. Ensure there’s ample parking space if most guests will be driving.
- Local Amenities: Consider nearby hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options. These can enhance the overall experience for out-of-town guests and offer convenience to everyone.
Capacity and Layout
- Guest Count: Determine the number of attendees you expect. Choose a venue with adequate capacity to accommodate your guests without overcrowding comfortably.
- Layout Flexibility: Assess the venue’s layout options. Some venues offer versatile spaces that can be customized to suit your event, while others may have fixed layouts. Ensure the layout aligns with your event’s requirements, whether it’s a theater-style setup, classroom arrangement, or banquet tables.
Budget and Hidden Costs
- Rental Fee: The initial rental cost is just one part of your budget. Inquire about any additional fees, such as security deposits, insurance requirements, and overtime charges.
- Catering and Bar Costs: If the venue provides catering and bar services, understand their pricing structure. Be aware of corkage fees if you plan to bring your beverages.
- Decor and Equipment Rentals: Calculate the cost of decorations, equipment rentals (like AV equipment and stages), and any necessary vendor fees. Rapidly accumulating expenditures may have a substantial impact on your financial plan.
Amenities and Services
- Audio-Visual Facilities: Check if the venue offers audio-visual equipment like projectors, microphones, and sound systems. Using in-house AV can be more convenient and cost-effective.
- Catering Services: If the venue provides catering, sample the menu and discuss dietary restrictions and special requests.
- Event Coordinator: Some venues offer event coordinators who can assist with planning and execution. Having an experienced coordinator can alleviate stress and ensure smooth logistics.
Ambiance and Atmosphere
- Decor and Style: Assess the venue’s existing decor and style. Does it align with your event’s theme or mood? Determine if any necessary modifications can be made.
- Lighting: Proper lighting is vital for creating the right atmosphere. Ask about various lighting options, such as natural light and customizable setups.
- Sound Quality: Test the venue’s acoustics to ensure that sound will be clear and appropriate for your event, whether it’s a presentation, live music, or a party atmosphere.
Contact Art Of The Event For Your Next Event
The venue you choose for your event is a critical decision that can shape the entire experience for your attendees. Whether it’s the location, capacity, or budget considerations, each factor plays a major role in ensuring the success of your event. Hiring Art Of The Event for your next event can help take the stress off of all of this planning. We will fully customize your event and work with you to see your vision. Contact us here to get a free quote for us to plan your event in the New England region.
By Gayle Gilberto, Event Designer & CIS
Thanksgiving comes late this year, which means most holiday parties are being planned within the first two weeks in December. That’s not very far from now but it’s still not too late to plan your gathering or to add some extra spice to the existing one! If you haven’t booked your venue or suppliers yet, Kristin O’Conner, Director of Sales and Marketing of Capers Catering advises the following: “Be willing to be flexible! Thursdays in December are the quickest dates to go. If you’re willing to do a different day we can play around and make it work for you. But, we almost always can make it work for our clients.”
Get People Excited About Your Holiday Party
You may also consider moving your party into the New Year. January and February dates a offer better venue and supplier availability and your guests can relax and enjoy your celebration without their personal Holiday plans getting in the way.
Build up excitement for your upcoming celebration by advertising through your company social media. Hint at the activities to come. If you haven’t told your guests already, consider “teasing” the theme to build anticipation. For example, if you are having a carnival theme, pass out popcorn or cotton candy during lunchtime or after a company meeting. Or invite a salsa dancer into your office to perform in advance of your “Havana Nights” theme event.
Another great way to build excitement for your Holiday party is to add an awards component to the affair. Create a few fun categories for your employees to vote on to get them involved and pumped up. Or look for in-house talent and have them participate in some way. I had a CEO who leads a company sing-a-long for his employees at the end of a Holiday celebration. This quickly became the beloved company tradition guests look forward to every year!
Brainstorm Ideas With Others
Kick up your food and beverage choices by chatting with employees and don’t be shy about brainstorming fresh ideas with your catering manager
Kristin O’Connor offers this advice: “We’ve had clients collect a few family recipes that we can incorporate into a menu. This spices up an event and makes employees experience all the feels when their own holiday traditions can be represented to their colleagues. Also, say yes to all the desserts- don’t make it an afterthought. Whether it is a fun unique station, like make your own s’mores, smashed cake bar, boozy hot chocolate station, or passed cookies and milkshakes, people love to put their healthy lifestyles on hold this time of year.
Plan Fun Activities For All
More active crowds love games of all types and there are plenty of options available! From casino games to arcade and video games, space, taste, and budget are your only limitations.
AC Anders, VP of Corporate Events at Fun Enterprises recommends activities that can double as company giveaways:
“All too often we are at an event and take photos that live in our phone or on our social apps. Switch things up and get a photo program that the guest leaves with the photo in a snow globe or snowflake. Also, personalization and DYO programs give your attendees something fun to do and take home.”
The Gift That Keeps on Giving
”Gifting this year? Check out the many companies offering to buy one give one options now (Bomba socks, One World Play and Smile Squared are just a few) guests can feel great knowing their gift was also donated to someone in need. Or you can empower your employees to be even more actively involved in the spirit of the season.
AC Anders: “Some companies decide that since it is the time of year for giving back it is a perfect time to sponsor a community project. Here are a few suggestions:
- Caroling at a senior center or hospital
- Volunteering at a food bank
- Collecting coats for the Winter Season ahead
- Donating Toys for a good cause”
Finally, don’t forget to make your event sparkle— try dazzling guests with a great theme. Glitz is always popular this time of year and themes that blend well with interactive activities are particularly hot right now. Brainstorm with an event design professional to find the theme that best suits your company’s demographic and image. This is your party and you can customize it in myriad ways that will make all your attendees feel like the VIPs they are!!!
Art of the Event
Are you planning a big holiday bash? Let Art of the Event’s Production and Design team help!
